pearlie harris center for breast health

The Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health® brings the most advanced
breast imaging technology available together in one place with an expert
staff that offers compassionate, convenient care and rapid results. Our
Breast Health Center is fully accredited by both the National Accreditation
Programfor Breast Centers (NAPBC) and the American College of Radiology, along with several other breast imaging accreditations
from the American College of Radiologists.

Our new facility was created from the ground up with our patients in mind. We offer the most advanced breast imaging equipment available – like digital mammography, breast MRI and computer-aided detection systems – along with an expert staff and little luxuries that make your experience a pleasant one.

The center even comes with a new symbol, a symbol of hope. The new icon, at the left, has many layers of meaning. The pearls are in honor of our namesake, Pearlie Harris. The infinity design represents our neverending commitment to stand by our patients with faith, love and support. Turned on its side, the design resembles the number 8, symbolizing the 1 in 8 women who will be affected by breast cancer.

our team

We have assembled a talented staff of board-certified physicians, technologists, nurses and navigators who specialize in breast imaging and are dedicated to caring only for breast imaging patients.

Our technologists, nurses and navigators are all women themselves – many of which have experienced breast disease in their own families. This gives them insight into the anxieties and emotions you may experience and they are prepared to offer the compassion and support that you may need.

The radiologists who interpret breast imaging studies are all board certified and have completed five years of specialized training in radiology. Many have completed additional years of training in radiology subspecialties, including breast imaging.

Our Breast Health Navigators are available at no cost to patients who have abnormal results from their mammograms. They offer education and emotional support to ensure our patients know all of their options and understand exactly what to expect during their testing and treatment.

St. Francis holds Multidisciplinary Team Meetings that are attended by
surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists,
pathologists, our Breast Health Navigators and Genetic Counselor,
and nurses who meet weekly to discuss patients whose tests come back
with a positive result for cancer. They review each case as a team,
agreeing upon the best course of treatment prior to surgery. In effect,
our patients receive a first, second and third opinion all at the same
time for free.

our technology

The Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health is committed to continuously providing our patients with the best breast imaging options available. We were the first to bring full field digital mammography to the Upstate, and we continue to seek out the newest technology that will increase the accuracy of our tests and comfort of our patients. In addition to digital mammography, we also offer breast MRI and ultrasound and are fully equipped with the technology needed to perform needle and stereotactic breast biopsies.

Having all of this technology in one place means convenience and speed for our patients. If an abnormal mammogram requires more testing, all of the tests can be done in one place, often at the same time.

convenience and comfort

You can expect to get an appointment within one week of calling to schedule your mammogram, and be in and out in about 30 minutes. For added convenience we’ve extended our hours to 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday. To schedule a mammogram, call 864-255-1396.

At the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health, you can expect privacy and modesty during your exam, as well as little luxuries like plush robes, private dressing rooms and coffee service. Even our mammography equipment is padded to increase warmth and comfort.

who is Pearlie Harris?

The Center for Breast Health is named in honor of Pearlie Harris for her endless dedication to making a difference and extending her personal mission of faith, hope and help to those in need.

After earning her undergraduate degree at Barber Scotia College and a Master’s degree in Education from Furman, Pearlie touched the lives of countless children through her 37-year career in Greenville County Schools. When it was time to retire from the classroom, Pearlie knew she did not want to be idle. She wanted to find a way to help her community and extend her personal mission of faith, help and hope.

Those came together with a commitment to St. Francis. She began as a volunteer, then served as Eucharistic Minister, and then was asked to serve on the St. Francis Foundation Board, sharing her wisdom and community knowledge. In 2009, Pearlie served as Chair of the Board of Directors for St. Francis Health System – the first African-American and the first woman to serve in that role.

In addition to the vast support she has lent St. Francis, she also has been instrumental in leading the Greenville Mardi Gras Gala, a signature event which raises thousands of dollars for critical needs throughout the Upstate; has served on the board of St. Joseph’s High School for more than a decade; served two years as President of St. Mary’s Woman’s Club and has given leadership to boards of Urban League, Operation ShoeHorn, Greenville Chorale and Greenville Symphony. In recognition of the vast contributions that she continues to make, Pearlie was recently named Catholic Woman of the Year for St. Mary’s Church, Greenville.

We are honored to share Pearlie’s name. She inspires all of us at the Center for Breast Health to live up to her incredible legacy of leading and loving her community.